2026 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Tara Castiglia, Shawmut Design and Construction

What was the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in the past 12 months, and why?

The most rewarding project I worked on in the past 12 months was for NYU Langone Health. Despite an aggressive schedule and numerous challenges, we successfully delivered the project on time through proactive planning and effective delay mitigation, and to top it off the project came in well under budget! I truly find all my healthcare projects rewarding because the end product directly supports patient care and positively impacts the community.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering commercial real estate?

I would tell the next generation of women entering commercial real estate is to be confident in your voice and intentional about building your expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take on challenging assignments, and always advocate for yourself. Seek out mentors and sponsors who support your growth, and do the same for others behind you. Most importantly, stay persistent — progress and growth come from consistency, resilience, and continuous learning.

What leadership lesson has made the greatest impact on your career?

The leadership lesson that has made the greatest impact on my career is that successful projects are built through planning and collaboration. Thinking ahead, communicating clearly, and working closely with the entire project team helps overcome challenges and achieve the best outcome for both the client and the team.